Maybe I’m a bit dramatic when it comes to decorating my house, but have you ever searched and waited for just the right fill-in-the-blank for your home? Then one day, you walk down the aisle of HomeGoods and you see “the one” and the angels start singing? That’s what happened to me last week – I found the lamps I’ve been waiting for all of my life.
I have this long painted buffet/dresser/console in my living room that needs a big, chunky pair of lamps. I’ve had many different pairs of lamps here, but none that I really-really loved for this room. Since my decor is so funkyvintage, it’s hard to find retail accessories that don’t scream “I’m the only thing in this room manufactured after 1977!”
When I found these puppies, one of the shades sat higher than the other one. I noticed that one of the harps was silver and the other one was brass. I had the manager of the store scour the back to find a harp that fit so that they would match up better. Then I got home, put bulbs in, then turned on my new lamps. Guess what? The linings of the shades were different, so when they were turned on one looked creamy and one looked white! Ugh. Then I spent the next hour changing around lampshades from all around the house (I’m sure I tried about 20), most of which were too small.
I finally decided on these large white textured ones from my bedroom. You can’t see the texture in the photos, unfortunately. I posted a photo of my new pride-and-joys on my Facebook fan page the other day, and not everyone thought the shades were ideal (too big). People are much more BLUNT on my Facebook page than on my blog about what they think! But I love them – I think they’re large and in charge!
My new lamps are in my current color-crush (did you read my post from Friday?), emerald green! You may have noticed the chevron blanket – also in emerald green from Home Goods. I moved around some chairs and decided on the arrangement you see in this last photo. It’s feeling a bit like Downton Abbey around here lately, and I like it. What piece of furniture or decor have YOU been waiting for all of your life???
Oh my … I saw these same lamps and just about bought them … my only issue was I don’t have one green thing in my living room … I was afraid it wouldn’t go … but I am thinking twice about this and might just go back. My furniture is brown fake leather … my accents are turquoise, reds, mustard, caramel, etc. What do you think?
I love it when that happens Kristie!! What a great find…..they look gorgeous!!
Jennifer
Can’t wait to see your cool lamps in person! Your giddiness has inspired me…I’m making the trek to Home Goods today to see what I can find! 🙂 To answer your question, I’m still waiting for the right dining room table and chairs. The table needs to be large and very cool and the chairs must be cool, yet comfy and child-friendly. I have been searching for the last seven years. The Joe Joe has said he would just build it, but that makes me nervous…what if it’s still not *the* one? I have so many first world problems!
I think the lamps look so much prettier when lit! So just leave them lit all the time, OK, Kristie? LOL. But I seriously love that buffet with the giant ornate mirror and your two chunky lamps. The whole effect really gives a focal point to the room — it’s almost serving as a “fireplace”, if you get what I mean.
I’m also not crazy about that chevron throw, even though I know chevron is pretty “hot” right now. I actually really like that other patterned pillow much better, so photo #1 is my fave.
I can hardly see anything else in that fab room for looking at the GORGEOUS sofa!
Thank you, Dianne! That sofa belonged to my beloved grandmother, although it has been reupholstered and painted over the years!
I really like your large shades! In fact, when I first saw them, I thought they made the lamps – the shades give them a more modern edge, and I know it’s an issue of personal preference, but I prefer larger shades. For me, smallish or too small shades are a real detractor. Plus, larger “statement” lamps seem to be having a moment now, anyway.
I love what those lamps do for the room Kristie. It’s not a era issue, it’s how they create an ethereal feel. Can’t think of any other way to describe it–I don’t mean to be weird. Anyway, so cool! And–yeah–the shade is so critical–the right one always makes it!
My search now is for a couch/chaise combination. It’s SUCH a major expense–it has to be right.
I’ve already scoured every consignment store around here. Ikea and all stores with ready upholstered furniture are 90 miles away!! ARG. May have to suck it up and order custom from a shop here in Highlands.
Love your lamps…and the shades! Never mind the “haters”! The emerald green looks great with all of your turquois accents…especially that vintage rotary phone. I remember having those as a kid and used to dread calling my friend whose phone number had several nines and zeros…and if you messed up there was no “back button”…hang up and start all over again! ugh! 🙂
Green glass is always a win. Go get them, Marianne. Now you can redux the living room around the precious. I painted my kitchen floor a very elusive green in honor of six soup bowls that I bought because I loved their color and shine. It’s the shiny that makes them! Maybe I should’ve gone high gloss in the kitchen!
PS: I want The Rug. The living room rug. (It eludes me, but in the meantime I’ve been keeping busy buying, trying, rejecting, and selling the duds on Craigslist.) I also want some lighting in there so you can see The Rug. (Kristie would probably giggle at the lack. One stick lamp and the sconces over the fireplace are laughable in a room that runs most of the length of the house.)
Very, very lovely! They remind me of vintage Murano Glass lamps. Great find!!!
Kristie, I love your new lamps. They are perfect! Actually, I love the entire living room . . . er, eh, okay, maybe not everything – – I like the pillow so much better than (color of) the throw.
Well, you DID ask (on fb) what people thought about the lamps! 🙂 I read all the Facebook comments, and I think that people just took your “question” as a genuine invitation to give their opinion, though you may have meant it rhetorically. 🙂 I know that when I saw your fb post, it wasn’t clear to me whether you thought the lamps were good or not, nor that they were YOUR lamps. I’m guessing people felt free to say what they thought, and probably thought you were looking for input on the lamps. So don’t let the negative comments bother you. As they say, to each his own! Enjoy your lovely lamps!
No worries, MarySue! I realize people like to give their opinion, and I’m up for it – afterall, I’m putting myself out there!
Good for you Kristie! The lamps look beautiful and are perfect on your console table. It is a dreamy room, what a fantastic blend of vintage, with a fun twist. Love it.
I have a camel back sofa that I spent far too much money on back in the ’80s. I know hard to imagine but stay with me. It desparately needed to be recovered or turfed out but I still loved the shape and size so I continued my search for the right fabric. By chance one day while looking for something else I found “the perfect print” in an upholstery shop. As luck would have it I also met the owner an upholsterer who’s attention to detail made my dream come true. It is perfection to me and I feel happy everytime I look at it.
Later my sister told me “the room has a nice vibe that is so you.” I would say the same to you, your room has a really nice vibe, congratulations!
I need to hear some angels singing – I need the perfect pair of lamps for my antique wallpaper pasting table! No luck finding a vintage matching pair and the search continues.
Love your glass green beauties and the drum shades are perfect. I don’t think they’re too big – but I wonder if you need a bigger harp – to raise up the shades an inch or two.
Kelly
Hi Kristie, I sat in front of you at TCE! I currently do as much in residential styling as I do in color consulting. I really like the lamps and the shades, but Kelly, above, is correct. You do need a harp (they are inexpensive, only a few dollars) one or two sizes up, to raise the shade to proper height. The shade is what I call “choking” the neck of the lamp.
Kristie, here is a very similar lamp with shade raised to proper height, notice you can see a little glimpse of the brass neck of the lamp:
http://www.shadesoflight.com/fluted-glass-jug-table-lamp.html
Oooh, I just love those lamps! They are beauties! And that chevron blanket — what a find! Thanks for sharing with us!
Love the color Kristie! Green is my color love right now! I am always on the hunt for lamps- like shoes- can’t have enough! Especially when you get such a great price at Home Goods! Yay!
Those lamps are really beautiful! The look, size and color is perfect in your living room. Love it!
The problem with HOme Goods is they dont’t keep inventory (atleast here in Toronto), when its gone, it’s gone you’re lucky you got both lamps. I got lucky last yr when i got my dining chairs! I was about to buy them from an antique store, to reupholster/refinish them to give it a modern look but the cost of doing it stopped me. Been going back and forth atleast for a yr then BOOM! I saw the same chairs in HGoods exactly as I want it.. I grabbed 4 fit it my car! I save a lot for sure! Love it till now!
You are soooo right – you have to grab it if you see it at HomeGoods. Especially when it comes to pairs of lamps. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen something I liked, walked away to the next aisle, then returned to fine it – NOT. I’ve learned to pile up my cart with anything I am even considering buying before someone sees me looking at something and grabs it first.